Dive Marine Group Services (DMGS) is proud to share the successful completion of a challenging dual-vessel repair project in Belgium, coordinated and performed by our Antwerp Office. One vessel was serviced in Ghent and the other in Zeebrugge, both arriving with significant structural damages inside their water ballast tanks. The longitudinal frames had developed cracks, some of which had propagated into the hull plating. What began as eleven identified cracks across the two vessels grew into a total of nineteen cracked locations after our team’s thorough inspections uncovered additional locations. Every single one of these was repaired efficiently and to the highest standard, restoring the vessels to safe operating condition.
Time was one of the most demanding aspects of this project. Confirmation of the repair work came only two days before the vessels’ arrival. Thanks to the rapid mobilization and expertise of Antwerp Office, all preparations were completed in time, allowing our team to begin the operation the moment the vessels arrived alongside. This ensured that the repairs progressed without delay and stayed firmly on track in terms of schedule and budget.
The repairs began with detailed internal inspections of the water ballast tanks. Where cracks had caused leakage, cofferdams were installed externally to seal the hull and create a dry environment for safe welding. Independent non-destructive testing (NDT) was then performed to accurately determine the length and extent of each crack. Based on these results, and in close collaboration with the vessel managers and attending class surveyors, a comprehensive repair plan was drawn up to ensure compliance and structural integrity.
Execution of the repairs was carried out with precision and efficiency. Where cracks were limited to the longitudinal frames, the damaged frames were renewed. Where cracks extended into the hull plating, both the frames and the plating were replaced with new insert plates. To relieve the stresses that had originally caused the cracking and to prevent recurrence, additional stiffeners were welded onto the frames. In total, five hull plating inserts were fitted and nineteen frames were renewed across the two vessels. At every hull repair location, cofferdams were used to maintain dry area outside of the hull plating during welding operations as per class regulations.
Despite the discovery of additional cracks during the project, DMGS successfully delivered the operation within the agreed timeframe and budget. The result was two vessels fully repaired, restored to operational service, and class-approved. The client expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome, commending our ability to combine rapid mobilization, technical expertise, and efficient project execution.
This project highlights DMGS’ proven strengths in complex vessel repair, including ballast tank crack remediation, hull plating renewal, and frame replacement. It also demonstrates the responsiveness and professionalism of our Antwerp Office, which plays a key role in supporting fast-track ship repair operations across Belgium. By turning unexpected structural challenges into successful results, DMGS continues to stand out as a trusted partner for reliable and efficient vessel repair services.
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